Stewardship

Stewardship is taking care of what belongs to the Master. Stewardship is a recognition that everything I have belongs to the Lord. Cheerful giving results from this belief.

II Corinthians 9:6-7
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

 

Stewardship is taking what the Lord has given you and give it to others, thus "sowing" that which is bringing forth "fruit" in your life.

You have a testimony of the grace of God in your life. Sharing it with others WILL bring forth "some" fruit/30 fold, 60 fold, some 100 fold. (I've known only one that has brought forth 100 fold, Sister Biddle, Brother Milford Biddle's deceased wife ,she is home now with the Lord, but her fame for witnessing is well known).

I know this guy isn't a Baptist, but Mac Gober is a good example by his testimony of how a "dying" church was brought back to life by his witnessing and compelling others to come unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

Forget the calvinists, they're too busy trying to convince everyone of "their" doctrine. Reach out to a lost and dying soul, you'll win some, the Lord guarantees it!

I don't know if you have a "rescue mission" nearby that you could go to and give your testimony, but that is an excellant place to fins "sinners". I say that because the people in them are most likely to admit being a sinner.

I preached at the one in Gainesville, Ga. the other night and a man came forward (59 yrs old) and was gloriously saved! Talking about a boost!

Our "fruit" may not ever be known until we get to the Judgemenmt Seat of Christ, but the rewards are tremendous!

If the "stalwarts" aren't willing to "enhance" your "vision" leave them sitting still in their "pew" of do nothing, just don't ever let them discourage you, I've been there. They see you doing something for God and do everything they can to limit you or put down what you're doing. (Almost makes you wonder if they're even saved)

Strive "lawfully", but strive to do what the Lord has placed within your heart and GO!

IN His Holy Service,

Brother Ricky

 

Please don't misrepresent calvinists as being contrary to evangelism. Some of the most famous calvinists were strong evangelists. I, for one, (and although I don't know if I'd rightly call myself a calvinist, I believe strongly in election and predestination) would be thrilled to preach the message to all. If anyone receives the message with joy and to salvation, to God be ALL the glory, but it would be an immeasurable honor to be used in part of that.

 

This is exactly what a true calvinist believes.

 

This is exactly what a true calvinist believes. </font>[/QUOTE]Sorry, but John 3:16 still says "whosoever believeth" not whososever is chosen believeth.

I'm a Christian, not a calvinist.

In regards to the question concerning the financial aspect, it cannot be denied that Jesus entrusted "talents"; a measure of currency of that day, in silver.

Silver is representative of salvation. Also the passage dealing with a "candle hid under a bushel" applies. Jesus has given us "silver"/ a light, to be exhibited and not hidden.

To confine stewardship as limited only to financial might be well associated with the passage ,"the 'love' of money is the root of all evil."

Those who believe a church can't function without funds are wrong. Yes the bills need to be paid and it's a creature comfort to have all the amenities such as padded pews, airconditioning, etc., but there are many churches that only have tin roofing as the walls and ceiling that do quite well in evangelism.

Now, on the other hand, one who isn't willing to give his part towards the work of the local assembly should best stand aside and not get between the people who desire to obey the commandment in Matt 28 and the Lord.

Money isn't the "only" thing we should give, yes it's important, but Jesus wants us, not our wallets and pocketbooks.

(Has anyone else noticed the level of pride in being a calvinist? )

 

No but I sure have noticed it in the attitude of a few Anti-Calvinists.

 

Please don't misrepresent calvinists as being contrary to evangelism. Some of the most famous calvinists were strong evangelists. I, for one, (and although I don't know if I'd rightly call myself a calvinist, I believe strongly in election and predestination) would be thrilled to preach the message to all. If anyone receives the message with joy and to salvation, to God be ALL the glory, but it would be an immeasurable honor to be used in part of that. </font>[/QUOTE]I didn't! I believe very strongly in election and predestination. I was telling him to forget the ones giving him all the trouble, so don't try to turn this into something it isn't!

 

What's this have to do with stewardship? I'm not "anti-calvinist" and don't appreciate yall trying to turn this into a calvinist/arminian debate.

I stated from the Bible a little on stewardship. If a man is going to be a good steward, he'll HAVE to put everyone that hinders him by the side and go forward in the calling the Lord has placed upon his or her life. That is why I made reference to the "talents", we should "invest" in others lives to bring forth fruit unto the honour and glory of God. Now if that's "hijacking" this thread then expul me!

 

Try looking for solutions and quit looking for problems.

Learn to exhort instead of critique. you'll find in exhorting one another will bring about an awareness of the fault within ones own self and you will not be called a judge.

Look for ways to increase your giving towards the things of God, thereby inviting others to get involved, shirk the oppressors. If you know the order as you say you have, then do something about it and quit sitting around complaining, looking at all the negatives, they'll only discourage you from doing what you know God has called you to do.

Be original and don't try to do something that some one else is already doing in the sense of taking their place. Invent something to do to exhort one another, teach each other sing songs of praise, speak to yourselves in spiritual songs and hymns, make melody in your hearts and it will attract others.

(Brother Ricky with large caliber pistol in the haunches tryiong to hijack another thread!)